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Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Pelvic Fractures in Bicycle Accidents
Suffering from a bicycle accident pelvic fracture in Chicago is a devastating experience. Unfortunately, biking through the Windy City comes with risks, especially when riding close to traffic. Serious accidents can lead to severe injuries, even when wearing protective gear.
When you get hurt in a crash, our Chicago bike accident lawyers can guide you through the claims process.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Leading to Pelvic Fractures in Chicago
Pelvic fractures typically occur during very serious collisions. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents that lead to pelvic fractures are collisions with motor vehicles, high-impact falls, road hazard crashes, and dooring accidents. Many motorists don’t realize bikers have the same rights as drivers per municipal code 9-52-010.
Certain areas of the city are more dangerous for bicyclists. Milwaukee Avenue is one of the most popular routes for bikers, but intersections with Ogden Avenue and Chicago Avenue bring them close to dense vehicle traffic.
Wells Street and Chicago Avenue are well-known for bicycle crashes. The intersections at Damen and Fullerton, as well as Lake Shore Drive and Grand Avenue, can also be tricky for riders to navigate. Turning vehicles often collide with bikers on Clark Street and Fullerton Avenue.
Types of Pelvis Fractures
Several types of pelvic fractures could require significant treatment, surgery, or a long recovery process. Acetabular fractures are a type of hip fracture that results in a break in the hip socket. Pubic ramus fractures are breaks that occur in the front part of the pelvis near the groin area.
When the upper, flaring part of the pelvic bone breaks, it is called an Iliac wing fracture. Sacral fractures occur on the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine. An open book fracture is one of the most dangerous injuries because it involves the widening of the pelvic opening.
Broken bones are typically categorized as either stable fractures or unstable fractures. Stable fractures occur when the bones are broken but still aligned. In unstable fractures, the bones are no longer in alignment and could grow further apart. Additionally, compound fractures refer to two or more breaks.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pelvic Fractures
Some symptoms of a pelvic fracture will manifest immediately after the damage occurs. Severe pain, difficulty walking, swelling, and bruising are common after blunt force trauma in a bike accident. Such injuries can also cause internal bleeding and lead to dizziness, weakness, loss of bladder control, a rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and other complications.
If you notice any of these symptoms, they may be indicative of a serious injury, so seek medical attention immediately to determine the problem. Even if you experience mild pain, this lower-body injury could be life-threatening if untreated.
Legal Options for Cyclists with Pelvic Fractures in Chicago
If you experience pain in your legs or are forced into physical therapy from this serious injury, you may be eligible for compensation via a lawsuit. You must prove the legal elements of negligence to win your case, which include the following:
- The defendant had a duty of care to prevent your serious injury
- The defendant breached that duty
- There is a causal link between their actions and your accident
- You suffered legal damages because of the accident
Evidence that can help you prove liability will include photos and videos of the scene, eyewitness statements, police reports, expert testimony, medical records, results from X-rays, and footage of the incident.
Compensation for Pelvic Fractures in Chicago Bicycle Accidents
The purpose of a lawsuit is to pursue compensation for legal damages. Economic losses in a bike accident may include lost income, medical expenses, physical therapy bills, future medical expenses, and property damage. Non-economic damages could include emotional distress, pain and suffering, disability, impairment, and loss of quality of life.
If the patient dies from their injuries, a wrongful death claim could include funeral expenses and loss of consortium.
Why You Need a Chicago Bicycle Accident Attorney for a Pelvic Fracture Case
If your pelvic ring or another area of this joint is damaged in a cycling accident, an experienced Chicago lawyer can help you seek compensation. They will calculate all damages, gather evidence, prove your losses, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for maximum compensation.
Since these cases can be complex, it is best to work with a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Illinois?
In Illinois, bicycle accident claims have a statute of limitations. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years from the date of the collision to pursue compensation.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
Pursuing a legal claim while you heal from internal bleeding, a hip injury, or pelvic damage can be overwhelming. Our Illinois bike accident lawyers will ensure you have the best chance of winning compensation, whether your injury was life-threatening or you were forced to miss work for a while.
Contact us today to request a free legal consultation about your pelvic fracture claim.
